People’s Powerline |May 2017 Road to progress continued from page 1
be strategically placed throughout PEC’s service territory. These units will be fueled by southeastern Oklahoma’s own natural gas supply, which for PEC’s membership provides real cost benefits.
“A great deal of research and evaluation has taken place by PEC’s board of trustees along with our internal staff in order for this milestone to be achieved,” executive vice-president and CEO Kevin Wood explained. “While other utilities prepare their consumers for potential rate hikes in the future by offering various energy efficiency incentives and other demand- side programs, PEC is proactively working to secure our entire membership’s cost of power through careful research and evaluation of the most economical sources of power and innovative uses of technology.” 521001500
Research
The initial process began in 2013 when PEC sent out a Request for Proposals (RFP) for electric generation to replace expiring wholesale power contracts. Published in MegaWatt Daily, a go-to source for US and Canadian electric power markets, PEC’s RFP caught the attention of more than a dozen suppliers who responded. PEC’s board carefully considered a wide range of opportunities that included purchasing an interest in an existing generating facility, entering into a purchase power agreement with an another supplier, or making an investment in building and operating its own generation resources. After all of the proposals were evaluated, it was
OUT N’ ABOUT THE CO-OP
In April a PEC construction crew started working five miles south of Calvin on Highway 75. The crew led by Brent Boatwright has been working hard to relocate power line in Hughes County for the new bridge across Salt Creek that will be constructed by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT). #ThankALineman
determined that the most cost effective alternative was to make an investment in RICE units located on PEC’s own transmission and distribution system.
PEC has operated several similar sized units for many years. RICE units have become much more prominent in the generation arena in recent years because of their increased operating efficiencies. The City of Stillwater is currently installing RICE units on their system and several other electric utilities have recently opted to invest in RICE units in the Southwest Power Pool (SPP).
Likewise, the units will allow PEC to participate in the SPP market by purchasing some of PEC’s electrical requirements from the market and could back up renewable sources in the market mix. SPP selects the most efficient generating facilities to operate and thus, ensures that the public receives the benefits from an integrated market place.
PEC commissioned an independent engineering study to examine the feasibility of adding these units to the system. The study determined that the units would blend very well with other sources of energy such as wind, solar, hydro and coal. The units will be evaluated daily along with all other available resources to identify the most economical mix for that day.
Utilizing the SCADA system, the units will be remotely operated from PEC’s dispatch center. The units will offer quick start and will be at full capacity in just a few minutes which enhances their worth to meet the fluctuations on the electric grid.
(above) PEC’s senior generation engineer Russ Brown reports recent progress on the newly built substation facility to PEC trustees during a recent on-site visit.
Long Term Reliability
These new generation facilities are adaptable and can be easily expanded to accommodate increased growth within PEC’s system. The possibility of curtailment (or the reduction of member consumption during peak periods) is also much less likely which will provide better service reliability for PEC’s members.
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“Not only are the units part of our plan to keep rates under control and provide better service, but they will also increase overall system reliability during major disasters,” Wood said. “Having these units embedded strategically on our lines will help us withstand even a major catastrophic event on the electric grid.”
As always, PEC’s energies are focused on providing local members reliable, cost- effective energy in an environmentally friendly manner. According to board president Eldon Flinn, “In the future, we will be reviewing other possible sources of electric energy to meet the needs of the members.” One of PEC’s goals is to have multiple sources of power. President Flinn added, “The old saying ‘don’t put all your eggs in one basket’ is a tenet of this board.”
Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month
(l-r) Crew members include Rucker May and Reese Howard.
Periodically inspect your dryer vent to ensure it is not blocked. This will save energy and may prevent a fire.
Source: U.S Department of Energy
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